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Getting braces can help you get a set of straight pearly whites, but comes with its share of disadvantages. Certain foods can get lodged in your braces, which can lead to uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing situations. There are lots of foods you can eat, though, that are less likely than others to get stuck in your braces.
Adults and children wear braces, or orthodontic appliances, to correct dental problems such as overbites, jaw joint disorders or even crooked teeth. When wearing braces, you should be careful to avoid specific foods that could break or bend the wires of your braces.
Braces, also called orthodontic appliances, are made of brackets that attach and apply pressure to each tooth. This pressure allows braces to realign teeth, typically over a one- to three-year period. Dentists recommend a diet rich in healthy food for people with braces. According to the American Dental Association, people with braces should avoid sticky, chewy, crunchy and hard foods that can interfere with braces and bend wires. Chewing on pens, pencils and fingernails can also damage braces. Loose or broken brackets can prolong the time needed to wear braces.
The self-consciousness of wearing braces can be exacerbated by soreness. Because of the pain, there are some foods you should avoid: items that are chewy, sticky, hard or crunchy are strictly off limits. You don't want to dislodge a wire or work a bracket loose, requiring an emergency orthodontist visit. Stick with soft foods that don't require strenuous chewing and are relatively easy to swallow. In time, you will learn which foods work best for you, but certain foods are always smart soft choices.
